This bill amends RSA 261:148 to clarify the documentation requirements for vehicle registration in the state. It specifies that ownership and identification documents, such as a certificate of title and a government-issued photo ID, are only required at the time of initial registration or transfer of ownership, rather than at each annual renewal. The bill introduces the option for personal recognizance by the town or city clerk as an acceptable form of identification. Additionally, it affirms that a certificate of registration from a current or previous registration period is sufficient to establish ownership during annual renewals, unless there has been a change in ownership or the vehicle is being registered for the first time.

The bill also includes several insertions and deletions to existing law. Notably, it inserts language that limits the documentation requirements to initial registration or ownership transfer and clarifies that the clerk may waive the need for a physical copy of the registration if they can verify the information electronically. The deletion of certain phrases aims to eliminate ambiguity regarding the necessity of presenting documents at annual renewals, thereby aligning statutory language with established practices and enhancing clarity for clerks, residents, and law enforcement. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 261:148
HB1549 text: 261:148